The Copa America is one of the most anticipated and exciting football tournaments for fans of the king of sports in South America. This championship not only stands out for the football skills of its players, but also for its rich history and fascinating anecdotes. For Chileans, in particular, the Copa America has a special place in their hearts. Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known about this prestigious tournament. In order not to miss any of these historic moments, it is useful to keep track of the most exciting matches and the most outstanding players.
1. The Tournament of Selections More Ancient of the World
The first edition of the Glass America celebrated in 1916 in Argentina, turning it into the tournament of national selections more ancient of the planet. This inaugural event coincided with the centenary of the Argentinian independence, and participated only four teams: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
2. A Trophy with History
The trophy of the Glass America is done of silver and weighs around 9 kilograms. It was designed in 1916 and has remained almost inalterado since. The original trophy was purchased in a jewellery of Buenos Aires by a price of 3,000 frank Swiss, a considerable sum in this period.
3. The Kings of the Glass America
Uruguay and Argentinian are the most successful teams in the history of the tournament, with 15 titles each one. These two giants of the football sudamericano have dominated the competition from his starts, offering parties memorables and intense rivalries.
4. Chile and his Recent Attainments
The Chilean selection, known fondly like "The Red", has left a footprint imborrable in the recent history of the Glass America. Chile won the tournament for the first time in 2015, when it was the host. It repeated the feat in 2016 when winning the Glass Centenarian America, celebrated in United States. Both victories were against Argentina, and in both occasions, the title decided in thrilling batches of penal.
5. Invited Special
Although the Glass America is a tournament sudamericano, in several editions have participated selections of other continents like invited. Teams like Mexico, Japan and United States have had the opportunity to compete in this prestigious championship, adding a touch of diversity and international competition.
6. The Goleador Historical of The Red
Alexis Sánchez is the maximum goleador historical of the Chilean selection in the Glass America. His skill and determination have been crucial for the successes of Chile in the editions of 2015 and 2016. His goal in the batch of penal against Argentina in 2015 is one of the most remembered moments by the fanatical Chileans.
7. Parties Memorables
One of the most remembered parties in the history of the Glass America is the final of 1947 between Argentina and Uruguay. Argentina won 3-1 and topped champion, but what did special to this party was that it attracted to a record crowd of more than 80,000 viewers in the National Stadium of Lima, Peru.
8. The Fastest Goal
The fastest goal in the history of the Glass America was annotated by the Argentinian Alfredo Gave Stéfano in 1947, grieve to the 58 seconds of initiated the party against Bolivia.
9. A Tournament of Stars
The Glass America has been stage of some of the best footballers of the history, including to Peeled, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Neymar. These players no only have shined in his national teams, but they also have left a mark indeleble in the tournament.
10. The Spirit of the Glass America
Further of the goals and the trophies, the Glass America is a celebration of the football sudamericano and his rich culture. For the Chileans, is an opportunity to gather , support to The Red and enjoy of the passion that only the football can offer. In summary, the Glass America is much more that a simple tournament; it is a full event of history, emotion and unforgettable moments. Each edition brings achieve new histories and heroes, and for Chile, always will be an opportunity to shine in the biggest stage of Sudamérica. We go, The Red!